Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms: bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is a field whose challenges range from understanding mechanisms of infectious disease to utilizing microorganisms to clean up an environmentally devastating oil spill; from applying biotechnology to produce human insulin in bacterial cells to manipulating bacterial genes for improving agricultural crops and livestock; from stimulating our immune rejection of tumor cells to replacing hazardous chemicals with insecticidal viruses.
The Department of Microbiology offers both a Bachelor of Arts degree in microbiology and a Bachelor of Science degree in clinical laboratory science.
Interests
A special curiosity about forms of life usually not seen by others; an enthusiasm for the hands-on experience of laboratory investigation; the imagination to pose challenging questions; and the desire to improve our quality of life
Competencies
- Research
- Gathering data/interpretation
Operating knowledge of scientific equipment
Experimenting with ideas
Organizing/classifying
Inspecting/examining
Diagnosing
Testing hypotheses
Problem solving
Thinking critically - Communication
- Writing reports/articles/grant proposals
Summarizing data
Maintaining records
Presenting proposals/reports - Project Development
- Designing projects
Developing/generating ideas
Perceiving patterns/structures
Opportunities - Careers
A major in microbiology prepares one for a career in almost any field in medicine and biology. Microbiologists work in every sector of the economy: Universities, Colleges, Schools, Hospitals, Government Agencies, Congress, Industry, the Peace Corps, NASA and the Military.
- Infectious disease
Technical sales
Product development
Medical illustration
Genetic engineering
Bioreclamation
Scientific research
Forensic medicine
Environmental health
Laboratory administration
Veterinary microbiology
Human genome project
Patent law
Bioremediation
Bioethics
Biotechnology
Education
Virology
Microbial ecology
Epidemiology
Clinical microbiology
Pollution control
Technical writing
Immunology
Infection control
Quality control
Food technology
Molecular biology
Vaccine development
Microbial genetics
Public health
Microbial physiology
Environmental law
Agricultural microbiology
Drug development
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students may choose to continue their education in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology, virology, mycology, microbial ecology, or clinical microbiology. Many graduates choose to go to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, or business.
Opportunities - Experiential
Opportunities are available for microbiology majors to participate in summer internship programs in university, government and industrial research laboratories. Many students also become involved in summer or part-time and volunteer work in research and clinical laboratories. Involvement in student organizations such as the Microbiology and Pre-Med Clubs provides opportunities for leadership experience and contact with professional microbiologists.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Microbiology (32 Pearson Hall, 529-5422)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Center, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.